New rules on dicamba application

December 22, 2017

The United States Environmental Protection Agency recently made several important changes to the new dicamba formulations labeled for use on dicamba-resistant soybean. The new formulations are now classified as restricted-use products. This classification will require all users to maintain detailed records of all applications. In addition, certified applicators (both private and commercial) are required to receive dicamba specific training prior to using the products in addition to their state's Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) training requirements before the 2018 spraying season.

In late November, the ND Department of Agriculture released the North Dakota-specific use protocols on the dicamba formulations of XtendiMax, Engenia, and FeXapan which are as follows and are in addition to the federal requirements:

* No applications may be made after June 30 or after the first bloom (R1 growth phase), whichever comes first.

* No applications may be made if air temperature of the field at the time of application is over 85 degrees Fahrenheit or if the forecasted National Weather Service high temperature for the day exceeds 85 degrees Fahrenheit.

North Dakota has a unique climate that is different than other soybean-producing states. The application season typically has low humidity. The dry and less humid environment can significantly increase product evaporation and potential off-target movement.

* Applications of the product may only be made from one hour after sunrise to one hour before sunset.

* Applicators must maintain a speed of 12 miles per hour or less when applying products.

* Any applicator working under the supervision of a certified private applicator will also be required to complete the Dicamba-specific training course before being allowed to apply the product.

* Applications must be made with a minimum of 15 gallons of spray solution per acre.

* No applications may be made using 80-degree or less spray nozzles.

The EPA's RUP classification only applies to any use of the three new formulations of dicamba (XtendiMax, Engenia, and FeXapan) labeled for use on Xtend soybeans and cotton.

At this time, availability of older generic dicamba formulations used to control weeds in cornfields or pastures should not change under the new EPA rules or under the ND specific-use protocols. However, it is important to note that only the XtendiMax, Engenia, and FeXapan dicamba formulations are legal to apply to Xtend soybeans and cotton.

The new labels for XtendiMax, Engenia and FeXapan contain extensive new record-keeping requirements. Among them is a requirement to keep "receipts of purchase" of the dicamba product used on an Xtend soybean or cotton field for two years. Therefore, for those who may be considering trying to use older formulations of dicamba on Xtend soybeans DON'T!

One other important reminder is all applicators; even those working under the supervision of a certified private private applicator will also be required to complete dicamba-specific training courses. These are dicamba-specific trainings are different and in addition to a state's Restricted Use Pesticide (RUP) training and certification requirements.

The dicamba-specific trainings will be offered by the chemical manufacturers in dozens of face-to-face meetings across ND from January through March. It is expected that dates and locations of these trainings will be announced later this month.

For more information, contact Yolanda Schmidt at the Pierce County Extension office at 776-6234 ext. 5.